Major makeover for Dover
The multi million pound regeneration of Dover Town Centre continues to gather pace after the acquisition and hand over of the Russell Street bus depot for demolition.
The depot has been purchased by Dover District Council (DDC) following the granting of planning permission to Stagecoach for a new base at Menzies Road, in Whitfield. The bus company hopes to move to the new depot within the year, freeing the Russell Street site for demolition and redevelopment.
This is a key stage in the £50 million makeover of the St James' area, known as the Dover Town Investment Zone. It comes after plans submitted by developer Bond City and Asda, were approved by council planners earlier this year.
The development, which could bring more than 500 jobs to the area, includes an 85,000 sq ft store with 35,000 sq ft of additional shop and restaurant space as well as a 100-bedroom hotel.
In addition 53 affordable homes will be built.
Work on the development is expected to start in mid 2008.
Tim Ingleton, DDC corporate project manager said: "This is an exciting time for the district and this represents a key step forward in the regeneration of Dover and the surrounding area. This follows major news on the start of construction on the White Cliffs Business Park phase II, and a range of regeneration initiatives which are set to transform the district for the future."
Source: RPD Online (Retail Property & Development)
